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The deadly funicular accident in Lisbon that claimed 16 lives in early September was caused by a damaged cable, as stated by the official investigation released on the start of the week.

This investigation has advised that the city's comparable cable cars remain halted until their safety can be fully confirmed.

Details of the Tragic Event

This crash took place when the historic Glória cable car left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the capital and highlighting grave fears about the security of older visitor sites.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) stated that a line connecting two cabins had come loose shortly before the tragedy on the third of September.

Initial Findings

The initial report stated that the cable was not up to the mandatory standards established by the city's transit authority.

This line did not comply with the requirements mandated to be employed for the Glória cable car.

The 35-page report also advised that the remaining cable cars in the capital should stay suspended until inspectors can ensure they have sufficient braking systems capable of immobilising the vehicles in the scenario of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Harm

Of the sixteen fatalities, 11 were international visitors, featuring 3 UK individuals, two South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, one French national, a citizen of Switzerland, one US national, and one Ukrainian.

The incident also hurt around 20 people, among them 3 Britons.

Among the national fatalities included 4 staff members from the identical social care institution, whose workplace are situated at the peak of the sharp side road serviced by the funicular.

Historical Context

The Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, employing a system of counterweights to drive its 2 cars along its 870-foot path ascending and descending a precipitous slope.

According to investigators, a standard check on the date of the crash detected nothing unusual with the wire that subsequently broke.

The investigators also stated that the conductor had engaged the funicular's brakes, but they were unable to prevent the carriage without the assistance of the counterweight system.

This whole event occurred in just less than a minute, per the probe.

Future Measures

This investigative body is scheduled to issue a conclusive report with operational suggestions within the next year, though an preliminary report may offer more information on the status of the inquiry.